







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Well, not really! I don't like cooking much. | |
| I've checked some, there is nothing I like so far. | |
| Hello dear, how is it going, do you need any help? | |
| Okay, how long is it, do you know? | |
| What do you expect English teachers to look like? | |
| Is your father sick? | |
| Do you have a cigarette? | |
| Is there anything else you want me to do? | |
| Upstairs, there is Diego and a British couple next to him. | |
| Don't worry, we don't do it everyday. | |
| I guess I can meet you there at 20:30, or is it too late? | |
| I've finally completed it and tomorrow is the big day! | |
| You look much younger than that. | |
| So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
| Thank you, dear... For helping me to be a liar! | |
| I can cook, of course, but only when I feel like it. | |
| And on the ground floor we have easy access to the garden. | |
| I'm sorry guys, there is no negotiation on the rent! | |
| They also have three big windows in their room! | |
| Ta-ta here it is... | |